Review: 2008 Toyota Prius Trim
The 2008 Toyota Prius has 1 trim. Below you will be able to review this trim in detail.
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2008 Toyota Prius
Canadian MSRP
$27,600
Key Specifications for 2008 Toyota Prius
Fuel Economy
4.0 - 4.2 City/HWY
combined
Horsepower
76 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Engine
Gasoline
Torque
82 ft-lb
Seats
5
Buyer’s Guide
NEW FOR 2008:
- Decrease in base price from $31,280 to $29,500
- New standard equipment: seat side and curtain airbags, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, garage door opener, anti-theft system, coloured rear spoiler, fog lamps
- 16-inch alloy wheels replace 15-inch wheels
- Back-up camera added to "D" Special Edition Premium Package
For 2008, the Toyota Prius hybrid receives several additional features as standard equipment, including side and curtain airbags, although the base price drops from $31,280 to $29,500.
The Prius, now the longest-running hybrid in the North American market, uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, electronic controller, and battery pack, along with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The system uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery, and does not need to be plugged in. The electric motor boosts the gasoline engine's power when needed; the car is also able to run on its battery for short periods, and features an idle-stop that shuts the gasoline engine off when the vehicle is stopped, such as at lights. The electric motor starts it again, so there's no danger of a conventional starter wearing out.
The Prius comes in a single trim line and features 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, CD stereo, cloth seats, power locks with keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power windows, tonneau cover, cargo net, tilt wheel, floor mats, pushbutton start, cruise control, garage door opener, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, and fog lamps.
Two option packages are available: the Special Edition Premium Package adds stability control, six-CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth hands-free system, Smart Key system and back-up camera, while a second package builds on that with a navigation system.
The Prius was Toyota's first hybrid and was designed from the ground up to use the system. Unlike most competitors, which are adapted to existing conventional models and are almost indistinguishable from them, the Prius features more offbeat styling and tech-heavy interior. The horsepower numbers look miniscule on paper, but the low-end torque of the electric motor provides the acceleration of most comparable gasoline-powered cars.
On the downside, the variable power-assist steering feels numb. The styling is love-or-hate: it's too extreme for some buyers, while others appreciate that it makes an immediate statement about its hybrid technology that most other models do not. Like all hybrids, the Prius returns its best mileage in urban travel, and its higher purchase price will take longer to recoup at the gas pumps ? we recommend doing the math and assessing your driving habits before taking the plunge.
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Recall Information
* Data provided by Transport Canada
Recall number
Recall date
System affected
Model year(s) affected
Recall number
2021-723
Recall date
2021-11-24
System affected
Accessories
Model year(s) affected
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SRC XC8/XC9 / SRC RC8/RC9 / SRC RD1/RD2
Units Affected:
51,373
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt.
Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers:
C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904
C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905
C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907
C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909
C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911
C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913
C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571
C014100911 PU14000902
PK5A408J05 PU14000903
Safety Risk:
Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall number
2012-388
Recall date
2012-11-14
System affected
Steering
Model year(s) affected
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Manufacturer Recall Number:
182
Units Affected:
14,816
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the steering intermediate shaft splines may have been improperly hardened. If the steering wheel is held firmly on the steering lock while turning sharply at low speeds, the splines could deform and wear, causing a backlash in the steering system. The splines could also become fully stripped, resulting in a potential loss of control causing a crash resulting in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace affected steering shafts.
Recall number
2012-387
Recall date
2012-11-14
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Manufacturer Recall Number:
181
Units Affected:
8,740
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the electrical water pump assembly, used to circulate coolant through the hybrid components, may fail. If this were to occur, coolant would stop circulating, illuminating various warning lights in the instrument panel of the vehicle. In certain cases, the water pump motor could short-circuit, causing the hybrid system to stop functioning and the engine to stall. A loss of propulsion, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing personal injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the electrical water pump.
Recall number
2009-290
Recall date
2009-10-07
System affected
Other
Model year(s) affected
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Manufacturer Recall Number:
011, 014, 030, 093, 083, 041, 084, 086, 081, 088
Units Affected:
437,445
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death. Correction: Dealers will reconfigure the shape of the accelerator pedal. Certain models will also have the shape of the floor underneath the accelerator pedal modified and/or a brake override system installed.
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